Sharjah, Oct 3 (V7N) – Bangladesh began their T20I series against Afghanistan with a nail-biting four-wicket victory in Sharjah on Thursday. Despite a commanding opening partnership, the Tigers nearly collapsed under the spin pressure of Rashid Khan before Nurul Hasan Sohan and Rishad Hossain steered them home with eight balls to spare.

Chasing 152, Bangladesh got off to a flying start with openers Parvez Hossain Emon and Tanzid Hasan Tamim. Both scored half-centuries, putting on 109 runs in just 11 overs, setting the platform for what looked like an easy chase.

However, momentum shifted dramatically when Parvez (54 off 37) was dismissed by Fareed Ahmad at 11.4 overs. Rashid Khan then tore through Bangladesh’s middle order, removing Saif Hassan (0), Tanzid Tamim (51 off 37), Zakir Ali (6), Shamim Hossain (0), and finally Tanzim Sakib (0), who fell LBW to Noor Ahmad. Within minutes, Bangladesh had slipped from 109 for no loss to 118 for six.

With 16 needed off the last 12 deliveries, tension was high. But Nurul Hasan Sohan smashed two huge sixes off the first two balls of Fazalhaq Farooqi’s over, putting Bangladesh back in control. After a single, Rishad Hossain sealed the game with a boundary, guiding Bangladesh to victory.

Earlier, Afghanistan, having been sent to bat, posted 151 for eight. Rahmanullah Gurbaz (40 off 31) and Mohammad Nabi (38 off 25) played key knocks, while Bangladesh’s Rishad Hossain and Tanzim Sakib picked up two wickets each.

With this win, Bangladesh lead the three-match series 1–0. The second T20I is scheduled for Friday.

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